SEAPORT PERFORMANCES Masque, portrays the history of the Octoroon Balls and the story of slavery, class, caste and color. Southstreet Seaports Shooting Star Theatre, 40 Peck Slip, Fri. March 12 at 7. 212-581-7216

TRIBECA PERFORMING ARTS CENTERs fifth annual artists-in-residence Work & Show Festival hosts an array of dance, theater, music and spoken word performances presented by many emerging artists. Pictured above is a scene from a theater piece by Karen Sommers. March 19-April 3. 199 Chambers St. 212-220-1460.

COMPOSER AND SOLDIER Ezra Laderman, now 80, a Brooklyn native and one of Americas most respected composers of symphonies, operas, chamber music and film scores. Laderman was a central figure in the U.S. Armys musical activities, conducting and composing while serving in Germany during World War II. He is being honored at a concert at the Museum of Jewish Heritage, Sun., Feb. 29 at 2:30 pm; 36 Battery Place; 212-945-0039 or www.mjhnyc.org,